The FIA Women in Motorsport Commission held its second networking event of 2022 at the Italian Grand Prix, on 8th September, as part of its mission to actively promote the participation of women in all areas of the sport.
The Italian Grand Prix and the 100th anniversary of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza gave the Commission the perfect opportunity to bring together women working in every area of the event weekend, in the FIA Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships.
More than 50 women from across teams, the promoter, the circuit, the Automobile Club d’Italia and the FIA, as well as race officials, volunteers and Italian students, attended the event, demonstrating the wide representation of women in the paddock and the diversity of roles and backgrounds.
Many professions were represented at the gathering including engineering, strategy, communication, marketing, events, logistics, sustainability, sponsorship, while Formula 2 driver Tatiana Calderon also joined the roundtable.
In addition to the women from across the FIA championships, the event was also attended by FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) representatives Philippa Laverty and Nita Korhonen, with the Commissions of both federations maintaining close ties.
Lively discussions highlighted multiple experiences, common passion as well as a will to fight stereotypes and lead by example. It was also an opportunity to build relationships and consider future collaborations.
After visiting Endurance and Formula 1, the Commission will soon extend these connecting events to other championships.
Deborah Mayer, FIA Women in Motorsport Commission President said: “I am really grateful and delighted to see all these women at the forefront of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3 championships gathered for the first time in the paddock. The promotion of women in motorsport is a long-term goal. As a priority at FIA, we are committed to raising awareness and creating greater opportunities for women on and off track. Our Commission is meant to be a lighthouse for this endeavour and the large representation at our networking events shows that we are on the right path. Wherever you are, whatever you do, whatever you aim, we are here to help you open the doors to follow your dreams in the sport.”